My list of works in progress or WIP‘s is a little longer then I would like. I set myself a goal this year to try to do two things A)Finish projects on the list and B) to NOT start anything new. I want to learn new stitches this year, challenge to myself, and so far I have done well but I can do better.

I do have some issues with my left thumb getting too sore at times and I need to give it a rest. I had been knitting so much, i had RSI or repetitive strain injury. I picked up a 2 kilo solid glass ashtray and snapped the tendons and it took a cast and 6 weeks of NO knitting or anything and it drove me around the twist. Once I was finally out of the case it was re-teaching myself to knit without putting strain on my thumb and be back in another cast.

I guess to a point I get bored at times with projects and I don’t set myself a small goal of finishing them. So, it took me turning the ripe old age of 50 to kick my backside and get some projects done. I also have two new grandbabies, Elizabeth and Gabriel who are yet to have anything hand-made from Nanna Cricket per my daughter Alisha’s request. Here is my list to keep myself on track to get things finished this year.

7) Gabriel’s Rug — Crocheted and in the pattern called Griddle Stitch. It’s a multiple or two stitches, base row is second from hook one single crochet, in next space you do a double crochet, next space is single crochet. At the end of the row chain one and turn do the opposite if you ended with a single crochet you start with a double crochet, working the opposite stitch. I originally found this pattern stitch in a children’s sweater pattern from Lion Brand.

8) Central Districts Football Rug/Afghan — in the same pattern as the Adelaide Crows Rug. Which I featured in the Keeping up the Sports Theme Part THREE.

9) Shades of Blue Rug — Knit, which I am doing for me to keep. YES, the rare case of something for myself. I will dig it out and feature it one day with the pattern and show you my twist on the pattern

Looking at it on the screen written out doesn’t seem like its much but I know it is. There is one more project I really want to start for the local hospital but I am doing my best holding off til I can actually tick off something being done.

Back to the knitting, now it’s back to the White Sox rug and will change to something different later on.

The about pictures is from a current project I found on the website called http://verypink.com/2012/06/27/learn-to-knit-a-spiral-scarf/

I had no clue what a short row was or how to do one, so this is the best pattern I have found to learn. Staci is amazing and takes you through each step slowly, you can pause the video and rewind as much as you need to get the hang of things. I will show you once I have it done. Notice in the picture I also made sure to get the brand of wool used.

At the beginning to see that the chosen colors work well together. What might look good to the naked eye can be completely different in a photograph. I take pictures along the way as I work to help me document the progression of the work. Especially if it’s a gift, a one of a kind. I don’t think that I have ever created the same project. I love that what I do is a one of a kind gift. Whether it’s for a wedding gift or the arrival of a new baby. It also helps to build a portfolio as such, to show those friends and family who might be looking for that something special to give. I had friends who wanted to give a gift and couldn’t knit or crochet to save themselves. By having my little portfolio I could show off to them what I could do, give them the idea that if they wanted to buy the wool for the gift, I would give them mates rates at the construction of the gift and the photographs as a keep sake for the gift.

As you can see in the picture to the left, I have three different textures of wool for a scarf I am planning. The Carnival on top is a plain pale blue,looking to match it with the other wool in the photo, which the blue on the left is heavier which should knit or crochet up fine on its own. The wool on the right is more light weight and needs an anchor for it to knit up, I read somewhere that at times if using wool on the right is not as sturdy in knitting or crocheting, where using a regular color could give it the stability it needs.

My parents were always working together on projects and loving the process. I can remember Dad always taking pics as the gifts were opened and the excitement but also how people would understand that how much love went into creating the gift. That a part of my Mum or Dad or both of them was woven into the gift.

I do that today with what I create. I take the photos to keep as a record but also to help myself stay on track to meet the deadline.

This is a scarf I am knitting for myself out of some Scottish wool a mate of mine picked up for me. http://verypink.com/2012/12/05/saroyan-scarf/ is the pattern I am using. It is a simple lace pattern, good for beginners like me. It took a little bit of just watching the video before I gave it a try. Its working well and keeping in my challenge of learning new stitches during this year.

Don’t be afraid to create a keepsake of what you are giving. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, a record for reference but it’s also a piece of you that you are leaving behind. Creating a memory that will last.